Studies in the Cyperaceae of Georgia: Distribution of Georgia Sedges, Analysis of the Cyperus squarrosus‐granitophilus Complex & Two New Species
Loading...
Authors
Lowe, Phillip
Issue Date
2018-07
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Academic theses , Biology , Cyperus , Herbaria , Cyperaceae , Morphometrics , Eleocharis
Alternative Title
Abstract
The sedge family (Cyperaceae) is one of the most impactful families to agriculture and a key constituent of graminoid communities in many ecosystems. However, there is no full accounting of all of sedge species vouchered in Georgia. Understanding which sedge taxa occur in the state and where they exist is necessary for both effective pest management and protection of communities and species of interest. I examined holdings at the three largest herbaria in the state to inventory the state's sedge flora. For each taxon, I assessed phenology and the physiographic regions where it occurred. Along with this inventory, I did morphometric analyses of three narrow taxonomic problems. The first analyzed the relationship between the granite outcrop endemic Cyperus granitophilus and its close generalist relative, Cyperus squarrosus. In addition to confirming these species are morphometrically distinct, I discovered a new variety of C. squarrosus which is restricted to granitic uplifts of Texas and Oklahoma. I also investigated two putatively new sedge species from Georgia, one, a Cyperus restricted to exsiccated karst ponds in southwestern Georgia, and, the other, an Eleocharis restricted to high-marshes of Camden County, Georgia. My analysis supports both as distinct species.
Description
Citation
Lowe, Phillip Douglas. "Studies in the Cyperaceae of Georgia: Distribution of Georgia Sedges, Analysis of the Cyperus squarrosus‐granitophilus Complex & Two New Species," Master's thesis, Valdosta State University, July 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10428/3154.